History of rotary connections

In August 1933, R. O. Monroe and L. D. Goff, based on a local mill, designed and built their first rotary joint. This was a device that eliminated the problems associated with the use of an oil seal and an oil seal, it allowed water or steam to be introduced into the rotating cylinder in a more economical way. To prevent dispersion of the liquid or gas medium, a spring mechanical seal was used. The secret to the success of the rotary joint was the mechanical seal, which allowed the parts of the rotary joint to rotate together with the machine, while ensuring the tightness of the liquid supplied to the cylinder.

In the late 1930s and early 1940s, the supply of liquid or gas to a rotating cylinder was carried out mainly by means of a rotary connection. However, there were also some problems associated with the installation of rotary connections. After the Second world war, the design of the rotary joint was improved. For this purpose, a flexible metal hose was used, which allowed the rotary joint to show some flexibility when moving as the seal wears out. By 1946, several other improvements were made to the original design and the size of the rotary joints was increased to meet the needs of the various industries in which they were used.

In 1954, major changes were made to the design of the rotary joint. They were aimed at reducing the physical size of the device and matching it to specific applications. By 1957, many industrial enterprises were concerned about increasing productivity, as well as the problem of heating and cooling rotating cylinders. At this time, Kadant Johnson began a program to study the effectiveness and application of various types of discharge fluids (siphoning devices), both in rotating equipment and stationary. The efficiency of siphon gaps in the overall heat transfer from the cylinders to the body was also studied.

In 1959, Kadant Johnson upgraded a paper dryer in Pensacola (Florida, USA) to test and perform actual tests of its rotating joints and various siphoning devices. In 1962, a research center was established in the city of "Three rivers" (Michigan, USA), and in 1963, the first photos of the interior of the working dryer were obtained. The staff involved in the design and operation of devices used for cylinder rotation, thanks to these photos, received valuable information about the rate of steam condensation and the processes occurring in the dryer. Based on these studies, rotary joint technology and siphoning technology have been identified as separate areas of industry.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, this group of researchers continued to develop new projects and accumulate knowledge to meet the needs of all industries. The need for higher operating temperatures and speeds required changes in the design of rotary joints. Parts such as quick-release nipples and pressure compensators were developed, and the size and service life were increased.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, tests of new sealing materials such as plastic, Teflon and ceramics were tested.

Despite the fact that the first rotary joints were created only for sealing the working steam or liquid medium, today there are thousands of configurations of standard and customizable rotary joints, self - supporting or externally supported, one-or two-flow, using water, air, coolant, oil, molten salt and gas, used at very low temperatures, and higher than 1000°F (538°C); and with a rotation speed of up to 50,000 rpm.